Nate Hilgenkamp posed a profound question for every parent, “If your kids have the grades but don’t know God, what do they have?”
Nate Hilgenkamp
Christian minister Nate Hilgenkamp discussed the primary goal that parents should remember for their children. In one of his sermons at Harris Creek Baptist Church, he shared what Paul desired for his spiritual children. He highlighted Ephesians 1:17, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” According to him, Paul prayed that the Church in Ephesus would know God even more.
Subsequently, he provided an essential reminder to every parent. He asked them about their primary desire for their children. Following that, he inquired about the potential answer that their children would give if they were asked about the ultimate goal their parents have for them. He explained that if their children responded with anything other than knowing God more, then it would be time for parents to adjust their schedules or the topics of discussion at the dinner table. He urged them to change those aspects that hindered their children from knowing God.
Harris Creek Baptist Church. (Screenshot). (2024). Ask God | Nate Hilgenkamp, Retrieved March 25, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZwIDRlVLHM
Knowing God More
Furthermore, he mentioned the following profound questions for every parent, “If your kids have the grades but don’t know God, what do they have? If they have the beautiful wedding but don’t know God, what do they have?” He discussed that if their children didn’t recognize that knowing God was their top desire, then they were overlooking something.
Moreover, he clarified, “You are not failing if your kids don’t know God…You cannot make them know God. That’s not ultimately up to you. And I know this language feels strong and potentially harsh, but I think it’s true. I do think you are failing as a parent if your child doesn’t know, above all else, that you want them to know God.”
He emphasized that some children may not realize that knowing God is their parents’ ultimate desire, but there is still hope. He believed it could be an opportunity for every parent to change and do their best to help their children understand that knowing God is more important than anything else.
Watch the full sermon here.
Reference | Harris Creek Baptist Church
Header Image: Harris Creek Baptist Church. (Screenshot). (2024). Ask God | Nate Hilgenkamp, Retrieved March 25, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZwIDRlVLHM